Story by Adam Redfern
Staff writer
aredfern@murraystate.edu
The Racers have made their third NCAA tournament appearance in four years and will be paired with an SEC team for the third time in program history.
This year, the Vanderbilt Commodores will host the Racers. The Commodores are unbeaten at home with a 9-0-1 record.
Vanderbilt won the regular season SEC championship only dropping it’s last regular season against Ole Miss. They Finished the season with a 15-3-1 record.
The Commodores recorded two impressive wins over Tennessee 3-1, which was ranked No. 9 in the country at the time. They also topped Mississippi State 1-0, ranked No. 25 at the time. Vanderbilt drew against No. 9 South Carolina 0-0.
Vanderbilt has had a less than impressive end to their season, coming off two losses against Ole Miss and the University of Florida heading into the NCAA tournament.
The Racers have plenty of experience against SEC teams over the years, and Head Coach Matt Lodge is looking forward to going to Nashville.
“I’m excited; it’s always whoever you draw.” Lodge said. “Vandy has had a fantastic year. We have played Vanderbilt in the past; we are accustomed to how they play. They have a very good forward that will challenge our centerbacks. I’m excited for sure.”
Freshman Haley Hopkins is one of the more potent threats on Vanderbilt’s roster, scoring 16 goals with six assists this season. Hopkins has accounted for 30 points of the Commodores’ total 111 for the season.
Murray State will play at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10 in Nashville, Tennessee.